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Interesting and important information to
have.
Becky Paxson – Troop 119,
Just an
FYI for anyone going near any prairie dog towns. Having my hubby working for
Texas A&M's Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab, I am now receiving all kinds
of interesting information. Just received this from him.
Dianne Watson
West Texas Chow Rescue-volunteer
Plague has
been confirmed in fleas collected from a prairie dog town in
NE Hansford County. The population of the town recently died (the prairie dogs,
not the people).
People should avoid entering prairie dog towns that are exhibiting
a population
decline or that have die-out. Dogs and cats should be kept away from the
same areas. Good flea control on pets is essential when there is plague
activity in an area. A child recently died of plague in
possibly due to a flea bite from fleas the family dog brought home. No
flea control had been applied to the dog. Dogs and cats may both develop
lymphadenopathy and/or pneumonia from plague. This occurs more commonly
in cats. Fluid from draining abscesses respiratory droplets from
coughing or sneezing animals are highly infectious to humans and other
pets.
If entry into an area where plague has occurred is essential, a good
insect repellent should be used and checking for fleas hitching rides is
advised. If exposure to possibly infected fleas has occurred, monitor
your health for 10-14 days and be sure to inform your physician of
possible plague exposure if you develop pneumonia, swollen lymph nodes
or other "flu-like" symptoms.
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